Jet Airways Suspends San Francisco-Mumbai Flights

Jet Airways will discontinue flights between San Francisco and Mumbai effective January 13, 2009. According to airline officials, the suspension is necessary to cut down on low performing flights. You may recall Jet Airways only began flying from SFO in June.

"We are suspending the flight on a temporary basis...because of the current economic situation we had to rationalise our network and take out the low-performing flights," said Sudheer Raghavan, chief commercial officer.

Although Jet Airways is a notable International airline with 400 daily flights throughout India and the globe, the airline was a complete newcomer to the San Francisco market. Jet Airways (softly) introduced the market to direct flights to India, but failed to offer compelling reasons for passengers comfortable with the status-quo to make the switch to a relatively unknown carrier.

If Jet Airways does decide to resume flights in the San Francisco market - and I hope they do, I suggest the airline re-introduce themselves on the following key strengths:

• Frequent flier program benefits; little, if any, communication was said about partnerships with U.S-based airlines to earn miles while flying Jet Airways. For example, Northwest and American Airlines both permit mileage accrual on some or all of Jet Airways flights.
• Product offered; Jet Airways operates a new Boeing 777-300ER on the San Francisco route, complete with the latest technological advances that put fun back into flying, and has 10 Boeing 787 'Dreamliner' planes on order. Compare that to other airlines operating older style aircraft lacking modern day comforts, style and ammenities.
• Brand name; while not recognized much on the West Coast, Jet Airways is the largest carrier in India and operates flights to several dozen cities throughout the world.

Indian carriers competing for San Francisco

Jet Airways and Kingfisher airlines, both India-based carriers, are competing for a San Francisco presence.

Jet Airways, which currently offers flights from India to the East Coast, has begun hiring at SFO as it moves its regional headquarters from New York. The airline has said it will commence Delhi to "West Coast" U.S operations next month. Meanwhile Kingfisher, ranked a 5-star airline by SkyTrax, announced flights from Bangalore to San Francisco will commence in August 2008. Flights from the Bay Area to India currently require at least a 22 hour time commitment, often with 2 connections. New service from S.F to India would likely reduce flight takes, and at least for now, be free of competition from U.S-based carriers.

Virgin America announces new San Diego service

Virgin America announced today ticket sales has begun for daily flights between its home base of San Francisco International Airport and San Diego International Airport. The service will begin on Feb 12, 2008 with three daily flights and will expand to five daily flights on March 9, 2008. Prices are available as low as $39 each way in economy and $149 each way in First Class. San Diego will be the 6th destination served by the airline.

Virgin America's brand new planes feature moodlighting, custom-designed leather seats and the Red Inflight Entertainment system which allows guests to order food, watch one of 25 movies, satellite TV, play a videogame, create a personal playlist from over 3,000 MP3 music tracks onboard or instant message with other guests -- all from a 9" video touch-screen and keyboard at every seat

Winter and early Spring European Airfares...get'em while their "hot"
San Francisco/Oakland to Rome, Paris, Madrid, Istanbul, Cologne, Hamburg (to name a few) all priced in the $520-$550 range roundtrip, taxes included. Fares are restricted generally to flights through March 08.

These are not the best fares we've seen historically, partially because of added fuel surcharges, but nevertheless make for a fun vacation getaway at a reasonable price. The change in seasons during March is a great time to visit most areas in Europe.
Visit http://www.farecompare.com/ for a map of current airfares to Europe.

American testing new snacks for flights departing San Francisco

In an effort to appeal to more customers, between Nov. 5 and Nov. 25, on a weekly-rotating schedule, American will test four new snack and beverage items on morning and afternoon flights departing San Francisco and Los Angeles to New York John F. Kennedy (JFK). Available for $3, the test will feature Starbucks doubleshot Espresso & Cream, FUZE Green Tea, vitaminwater power-c, and CLIF Bar Chocolate Brownie Energy Bars.

Then, between Dec. 3 and Dec. 23, on a weekly-rotating schedule, American will test three different premium fresh items on afternoon transcontinental flights departing from San Francisco to New York JFK. Available for $10, the test will feature a fruit and cheese plate, antipasto platter, and a premium sandwich.

Jet Airways: SFO meets India, next year

Jet Airways airline appears to be gearing up for a San Francisco launch early next year. The airline is currently hiring for multiple positions at SFO, and a quick Wiki search revealed a February 2008 debut date. Although no press release has been issued as yet, the carrier had previously announced plans to operate a SFO-Mumbai, India route.

Interestingly, another Indian airline, Kingfisher, has plans to begin service from SFO to Bangalore, India next year as well. The Bay Area travel market continues to heat up.

SFO to welcome Aer Lingus later this month

New airline at SFO takes flight later this month.
The airline will begin non-stop service from San Francisco to Dublin Ireland on October 28th, with connecting service elsewhere in Europe.

The flight departs at 3:15pm arriving Dublin 8:15am the next day.

Initially operating twice a week, starting in December service will be upped to 4 times weekly. Fares are available as low as $577 roundtrip w/taxes.

Though Aer Lingus left the Oneworld Alliance (Cathay Pacific, American, etc) earlier this year, it still retains some mileage accrual offers while traveling on certain partner airlines. Otherwise, Aer Lingus has their own frequent flyer program - the Gold Circle Club.